Armed robbers strike Gweru Service Station, steal ...

Armed robbers strike Gweru Service Station, steal US$1.2k

Zim Now Writer

A gang of armed robbers on Sunday pounced on FSI Service Station in Gweru along the Harare-Bulawayo highway and stole US$1 200, cellphones and an HQ laptop among other gadgets.

Police confirmed the incident which happened at around 9pm on March 12.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the four-member gang parked their vehicle a few metres from the garage.

One of them pretended to be a customer who wanted to buy fuel using a jerry can.

“Two fuel attendants, Allan Jila, 38, and Mlungisi Kasunzuma were on duty at the filling station. An unknown male adult parked a silver Honda Fit and requested to buy fuel using a jerry can after giving the impression that the vehicle had run out of fuel,” said Inspector Mahoko.

While he was being attended to, he produced a pistol and force-marched the employees into the office. His three accomplices soon joined him after disembarking from their vehicle.

“They demanded keys to the safe which they were given, and they opened the safe and took US$1 206 cash. They also searched the employees and took their cellphones and an HP laptop before speeding off in the same vehicle,” said Inspector Mahoko.

The Midlands police spokesperson appealed to members of the public to assist in locating the suspects.

“We are appealing to members of the public who might have information that might lead to the arrest of these suspects to approach any nearest police station. We also urge people who operate businesses to consider putting water-tight security systems to safeguard their investments,” said Inspector Mahoko.